O2 offers 5G Testbed opportunity to every company in the FTSE 100 in a pioneering move to improve national output and boost the economy

FTSE businesses encouraged to implement early O2 5G technology in pursuit of productivity and efficiency savings.

O2’s Testbed commitment aims to unlock the potential for an increase in national output and an improvement in UK economic performance.

Telefonica is a global leader and active participant in 5G development, testing and trialling each stage of future 5G rollout and IoT deployment on the global stage.

Telefónica UK Limited (“O2”) today has written to every Chief Executive of companies in the FTSE 100 Index to invite them to participate in O2’s 5G Testbed trials, ahead of the UK’s expected 5G launch from 2020. The call for applications was today made by Mark Evans, O2’s CEO.

Under the ground-breaking 5G commitment, O2 aims to work with a number of FTSE 100 businesses to understand the processes and use cases that would benefit from 5G. This could range from improving efficiencies in supply chains and production processes to unlocking new 5G enabled revenue streams and enhancing customer experience.

The commitment comes as O2 states its belief in 5G ‘to transform every corner of life and society’ whilst making it accessible for businesses and consumers alike.

Derek McManus, who has overseen the introduction of both 3G and 4G throughout his career as O2’s Chief Operations Officer, said: “5G is a brilliant way for the UK to turn promise intoprogress. This nation will thrive on the potential power of 5G.”

O2, is the UK’s principle campaigner for Mobile Britain. Speaking of the 5G opportunity, Mark Evans said: “Mobile, and specifically 5G, is one of the UK’s most powerful opportunities to strengthen our economy, enrich our society and outperform on the global stage. Our national Testbed commitment is testament to this belief and we are excited by the value it could create for UK Plc.”

The FTSE 100 businesses will need to express their interest by September 2018 and meet certain qualifying criteria to be considered for the opportunity.